Glasgow Families Clubs & Classes for Babies, Toddlers and Children

Alliance FranÇaise de Glasgow

The nearest place to go into France. The Alliance Française de Glasgow is the official French language and cultural centre for Glasgow and the West of Scotland. Located in the West End and established in 1982, it is part of a network of centres disseminated all over the world.The centre offers a wide range of language courses for children, teenagers and adults throughout the year, which are a great opportunity for our students to be immersed in a French environment. The courses are held during the week (daytime and evening) and the week-end (Saturday morning) and cover levels from complete beginners to advanced (CEFR levels from A1 to C2).The AF Glasgow is the ideal place to prepare for the Standard, Higher and Advanced Higher Grade examinations in French.The AF Glasgow is also an official examination centre, giving you the opportunity to obtain the official French diplomas awarded by the French authorities and recognized internationally (DELF/DALF, TEF, etc.).Cultural activities and a multimedia library complement our language courses furthering your discoveries of the French-speaking world through music, literature and cinema. Let our qualified and experienced native French teachers lead you and your children into the words and world of “La Belle France”. “Enjoyable and fruitful” is the motto of the AF Glasgow experience.0141 331 4080Click here

New Creation Station Classes in Glasgow

The following classes are currently running:Monday Baby Discovery PartickTuesday Baby Discovery West EndTuesday Little Explorers West EndFriday Little Explorers Partick

Arts and crafts are really important for children from a very young age (even a one year old can enjoy finger painting!) and it remains important long after they can read and write. Art is a form of communication, it is another way of expressing ourselves and our emotions and it can help with processing feelings and experiences and as equally important, art and craft sessions allow children to gain self confidence and belief in their abilities and to learn through play. How important is art and messy play for children? It is invaluable. A child needs to explore their environment and be able to create their own masterpiece. They need to feel the gritty sand, smell the fruity play dough, taste the pudding they are painting with, or even hear the music as they play in warm sudsy water. All of these things are considered art and messy play. It is essential to expose a child to sensory projects every day, along with giving them the freedom to create whatever they may feel like with crayons and paint. There is hardly a painter in this world that likes to be told how to paint or what to paint. That is why we will never tell children how to create art. Let them do what feels right and it will build their self-confidence, give them a sense of accomplishment and be rewarded with praise for a job well done. Now, you may not be able to recognize what they draw, it may just look like a bunch of scribbling lines to the adult eye. However, to a child it may be a rainbow, a flower, a toy or even Mum and DadFor more informaioin on Creation Station sessions Click here

Zippy’s Gymnastics Academy celebrates 10 years

What started out as a couple of coaches and a couple of pieces of equipment in the back of a trailer driving from venue to venue in the 10 years since it’s formation Zippy’s has grown to a fully fledged gymnastics academy with Olympic standard equipment. In 2010 Zippy’s was made a Scottish gymnastics centre of excellence for gymnastic education. Over the last few years both the girls and boys squads have entered several competitions in Scotland and all their hard work is starting to pay off. Zippy’s Gymnastics Academy has decided to celebrate their 10 successful years by giving something back. Zippy’s want to acknowledge all the support they have received over the last decade. So, in 2012 Zippy’s will organise 10 charity events which will range from Burns Night supper, Halloween and Christmas parties through to Zippy’s Got Talent and Annual Display. All proceeds will go to charity. The first charity event will be held on the 21st January 2012. The evening will be dedicated to Katie and Friends (www.katieandfriends.org.uk). Katie attended Zippy’s regularly up to January 2011 when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour. In the past years Zippy’s has supported Clic Sargent and Yorkhill Children’s Hospital. We feel sure that the whole Southside community will want to give their full support to raising funds for this and the numerous other charitable events that will be held throughout 2012. Details of all events will be available from Zippy’s website Click here

Start dancing with Dance UK Mini Movers classes

Dance UK Mini Movers introduces girls from 3-5yrs to the first stages of dance. Principal, Jacqui Wilson and her expert teachers promise first class tuition and the latest moves. She explains: ‘We encourage children to start at a young age to build confidence and many of those youngsters progress to the Top Levels at Dance UK.’For girls 5-18 yrs, the Academy offers Classical Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, Cheerleading, Disco and Acrobatics leading to optional Exams and Stage Productions as well as the chance to make new friends, keep active and have fun.For boys P1-S4, Streetdance UK teaches the very latest in hip hop, breakdancing and power moves!Drama, Singing and Specialist Dance Coaching for children who show potential is also available. Entry by audition. Dance UK are in Baillieston, Bellahouston, Bishopbriggs, Coatbridge, and Wishaw and Maryhill. For class times and to book: call 0141 946 0950.

New Gymboree in the West E ndGymboree Play & Music Glasgow West EndNominated in the 2012 ‘What’s on for Little One’s’ Awards Vote for us hereWinner of "Best National Pre-schooler Development Activity" 2011 and 2009 Tel: 07545957040Anniesland Methodist Church Hall213 Bearsden RoadGlasgowG13 1DHEmail: [email protected]: Click here

Waterbabies -ever popular swimming with your baby classes across Glasgow. For classes near you call 0131 554 6682, Click here